Pakistan Army resorts to unprovoked firing on LoC in Poonch

Jammu: Pakistani Army resorted to unprovoked firing at Indian positions along the Line of Control (LoC) this morning in Poonch district of Jammu region, the first ceasefire violation in six months.

According to a defence official, the Pakistani side opened fire at Indian posts in Shahpur sector of Poonch. “The ceasefire violation by Pakistan started around midnight and continued till 4.30 am," he said.

"They used automatics and mortars. Our troops responded effectively using same calibre weapons. There was no casualty or damage on our side," the official added.

Defence officials said that it was being confirmed whether Pakistan firing was part of an attempt to facilitate an infiltration from across the Pakistan side into the state or not.

There had been calm on the LoC and the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir for nearly six months. Today's unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army has broken that welcome spell of peace on the border in Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

The brunt of such cross border firing and shelling between the two neighbouring countries has to be borne by villagers living close to the LoC and the International Border.

Peace being breached by Pakistan on the LoC today comes as a very bad news for thousands of villagers for whom the farming and cattle grazing season has just started after nearly four-month long winter in these areas.